The people of Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have petitioned Governor Francis Nwifuru over alleged illegal underground mining activities being conducted by a Chinese company on their sacred ancestral land.
In the strongly worded petition, community members accused the Chinese firm of collaborating with local individuals to carry out unauthorized mining operations on their revered ancestral shrine located in Ugwogo Forest.
Violations of Mining Regulations
Mr. Ogbuinya Livinus, the Youth President, alleged that the mining activities violate Section 61 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, which requires an environmental impact assessment report, community engagement, and federal certification before commencing such operations.
"The shrine has been our ancestral deity since centuries ago," the petition reads. "Its desecration by this Chinese firm and their local accomplices is not only a cultural affront but also a spiritual violation."
The community further warned that the underground mining poses serious environmental risks, including potential tunnel collapse, land subsidence, and earthquake-like consequences.
Harassment Allegations
In a troubling development, the petitioners claimed that the Chinese company, along with local collaborators, has begun arresting and harassing community youths who have peacefully opposed the unauthorized mining activities.
According to the community, Royal Salt Limited, the original company granted official mining rights over the land, has distanced itself from the Chinese firm's operations and denied granting any license or permission for the activities.
Dangerous Mining Practices
The situation is reportedly worsening as the Chinese company has allegedly exceeded designated mining boundaries and is now digging dangerously close to the Royal Salt mining dump.
"They are digging deeper than they were ever permitted and heading towards the Royal Salt mining dump. This reckless activity could trigger seismic tremors, cause collapses and endanger lives. If the heavy rains persist, the village could witness a disaster of unimaginable scale," the petition warned.
The community has called on Governor Nwifuru to issue an immediate executive order halting the operations and to launch a full investigation into the involvement of the Chinese firm and its local collaborators.
"We are still holding our peace in respect of your peace initiative in Ebonyi State through your People's Charter of Needs. But we urge you to act now before it's too late," the petitioners concluded.
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